FLINT, Michigan — State Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing, said today that he was not surprised state officials declared a financial emergency in Flint, but said an emergency financial manager is not the best course of action for the city.

Sen. John Gleason

Under legislation passed early this year, an emergency financial manager would have broad powers, including the ability to strip power from the mayor and Flint City Council, overturn city ordinances and break contracts.

“Sending an EFM into Flint to fire its union workers is not the right answer, because the situation Flint is in isn’t their fault,” Gleason said in a statement. “I have been in contact with the governor’s office asking for a brief cooling down period following a contentious mayoral election before any decisions are made.

"If Flint is going to be the poster child for the EFM legislation than it is very important that we work together with the administration to come to a fair conclusion.”